The bird flu can spread between people and cats, CDC finds

Make acquaintance with experts: Thomas Russo, MD, Professor and Head of Infectious Diseases at the University of Buffalo in New York, William Schaffner, MD, a specialist in infectious diseases and professor at the Vanderbilt University Medicine School; Bruce Kornreich, DVM, PhD., Director of the Cornell Cornell health center at the Cornell University Veterinary Medicine College

The study increases a lot of questions about the fact that the influenza of the birds can be transmitted to the pets and vice versa, as well as how this could happen. Here’s what we know, plus what experts in infectious diseases and a veterinarian want to take into account.

How does the influenza of birds pass from people to cats?

Again, because these agriculture workers refused to be tested for the flu, we cannot say for sure that they gave the pets. However, there are a few theories about how cats could have become ill if, in fact, they obtained the flu of the birds from their owners.

“It is possible that the dairy workers will come home with the virus on their hands and that the company cats their hands,” says William Schaffner, MD, A specialist in infectious diseases and professor at Vanderbilt University Medicine School.

The virus could also be spread from contaminated work clothes and there is also the chance that cats will get it after drinking unpasteurized milk that their owners brought home from work, says Thomas Russo, MD, Professor and head of infectious diseases at the University of Buffalo in New York.

Although there is no definitive evidence that cats have obtained the flu of the birds from their owners, “there is the possibility of transmission,” says Bruce Kornreich, DVM, PhD., Director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine of Cornell University.

How does the bird flu usually spread

Infected birds can throw the flu of the birds into their saliva, nasal secretions and cage, according to CDC. The virus can infect others through contaminated surfaces, according to the organization.

But the bird’s influenza was also detected in unpasteurized milk, according to US administration for food and drugs (FDA). Food of birds or poultry or beef may also lead to infection CDC.

Signs of bird flu to cats

Cats can develop some bird flu symptoms and tend to get worse and more American veterinary medical association (Avma). They may include:

• The loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Neurological symptoms such as circle, tremors, seizures or blindness
• Heavy discharge from your nose and eyes
• Severe depression
• Rapid breathing, breathing problems
• Sneeze
• Cough

“Cats can truly get sick and develop diseases that can endanger life in most cases,” says Kornreich.

How do people usually get the influenza of the birds?

So far, 70 cases of birds for birds have been detected in people and a death CDC data. Most of the cases were in the persons exposed to infected dairy herds or to the poultry, although there are at least three cases in which the source of exposure is not known.

Human influenza infections can happen to the virus enters the eyes, nose or mouth of a person or are inhaled, on CDC.

Signs of bird flu to people

Symptoms of bird flu symptoms in humans have ranged from easy to severe, according to CDCand may include:

• The redness of the eyes
• Upper respiratory symptoms similar to light flu
• Pneumonia
• Fever or feeling feverish
• Cough
• sore throat
• The flowing or thick nose
• Pain of muscle or body
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Shortening breathing or breathing difficulties
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• seizures

How worried should people be?

Dr. Schaffner says he has heard more and more questions about the pets that get the bird flu. While he says that outdoor cats are the biggest concern, given that they can be mouth or play with dead birds or even catch infected birds, there is “potential” for dogs to infect.

While Dr. Russo says it is “biologically plausible” to get the bird flu from your pet, it also emphasizes that this is less likely if you have an interior pet.

If you are worried about the fact that your pet is infected with the bird flu, Dr. Schaffner suggests to do your best to keep them inside or away from dead or sick animals, watching carefully when they are out. Kornreich says it is important not to feed your raw pets or unpasteurized milk.

Dr. Schaffner recommends that you be cautious when you interact with the birds, also to protect yourself and pets. “If you want to fill your bird feeder or change the water in the bird bath, wear gloves in the surgical style and wash your hands well afterwards,” he says.

But if you have a cat and develop symptoms of bird flu, Kornreich says it is important to isolate your cat from other people and pets. “Wash your hands well before and after you interact with your cat and try to change your clothes afterwards,” he says.

Kornreich also recommends calling your pet veterinarian, but don’t bring your cat to be seen immediately. “It is important for your veterinarian to take the appropriate precautions first to protect themselves and other patients themselves,” he says.

As for the risk of getting sick from your pet, Dr. Russo says this is unlikely to be an important problem for most Americans. “I did not exclude him, but at this moment, the risk seems to be close to zero,” he says.

Generally, Kornreich recommends pet owners to do their best to keep up to date with the latest information about bird and pets influenza. “It is very important not to panic,” he says.